St Andrew’s and Cynthia – the perfect match!
From cake-making to cycling, swimming to parachute jumping, staff and patients at St Andrew's Healthcare in Northampton have left no fundraising stone unturned in their incredible efforts to support their 2014 Charity of the Year, Cynthia Spencer Hospice!
And thanks to their 12 months of pedalling and pantos, splashing and singing, the Hospice has just received a cheque for £25,000 which will be used to fund its vital work in providing skilled and compassionate care for patients with life-limiting illness and their families.
Among those to contribute to the amazing total was St Andrew's staff member Patty Hill who raised £300 by swimming eight miles in memory of her father Stan Thornton. Stan passed away at the Hospice 13 years ago after receiving two weeks of what Patty could only describe as "amazing care".
Meanwhile Dr. Louise Brink added £1700 as one of a team of 15 to take a tandem parachute jump, while Sarah Goode's £550 contribution to the pot came as a result of completing the 25-mile route of Cycle 4 Cynthia, the hospice's annual bike ride.
With others organising such events as 'It's a Knockout' to a talent show, no-one is more proud of the firm's fundraising achievements than St Andrews' Chief Operating Officer, Warren Irving, who himself raised £1800 thanks to a rather painful solo effort; "I decided to do a lone canal walk and ended up completing 101km in 24 hours alongside the Grand Union" explained Warren.
"Doing it on my own was quite a challenge but it certainly concentrated my mind on the Hospice and what a truly deserving charity it is. It just about made losing a few toenails in the process worthwhile!" he grinned.
Receiving the cheque on behalf of Cynthia Spencer, Community Fundraiser Sue Bownass thanked the whole team for their efforts; "I know that hundreds of patients and staff have worked really hard in raising this fabulous figure and hopefully had a lot of fun along the way!" enthused Sue.
"This money will help us to make such a difference, not only in caring for those nearing the end of their lives but also in supporting their loved ones and for that, we are so very grateful" she added.
Although St Andrew's Healthcare has now begun its fundraising efforts for its 2015 beneficiary, the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance, it will still be showing its continuing support for the Hospice by entering a team into this year's Cycle 4 Cynthia, taking place on Sunday 13th September at Althorp.
As one patient commented, they’re looking forward to being back in the saddle; “I had a great time taking part in Cycle for Cynthia. It felt good to be a part of the event and to raise money for such a worthwhile cause. I can’t wait to do it all again this year.”
More information about the ride can be found at www.cycle4cynthia.com or on its new Facebook page. Meanwhile, if you would like to support the Hospice, please contact Sue in the fundraising office on 01604 678088.